4 people hospitalized after grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola

Four people have been sent to hospital after a reported grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola Thursday.

BC Emergency Health Services says it received a call at 1:46 p.m. for an animal attack on a trail near Highway 20.

“Two ambulances and a community paramedic responded to the scene. Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to four patients and transported them to hospital,” said Brian Twaites, a paramedic public information officer with EHS.

“Two patients were in critical condition and two were in serious condition. Another seven people were cared for at the scene but did not require hospital transport.”

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EHS worked with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to transport the victims to hospital due to weather conditions, according to Twaites.

Victims of the attack were students of a nearby school, according to RCMP North District Corporal Madonna Saunderson.

Acwsalcta School in Bella Coola said it will be closed Friday due to the bear incident and will be providing supports for those that need them.

The B.C Conservation Officer Service says it is on scene with RCMP, and asked residents to stay out of the forested and river area near the 4 Mile subdivision of the community until further notice.

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Word of the attack first came through the Nuxalk Nation’s social media, which said a “bear incident” occurred in the 4 Mile area. It later said that an aggressive bear is in the area, cautioning residents not to go looking for it.

In a statement, Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner said, “We are devastated for the individuals and families impacted by the bear incident.”

“All individuals involved are receiving medical support and our priority is to ensure that they are safe. I have connected with the family members who are affected and my team and I are in the process of gathering more information to share with our community.”

The First Nation says the bear involved has not been located as of Thursday night.

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